“That’s where you’re wrong. I know everything I need to know. You’re beautiful and talented, easily one of the most creative people I’ve ever met. You’re sweet and loving to almost everyone, but that side of you never fooled me. You have a resilience that doesn’t shine often enough because you’ve been molded into something you can’t stand. But it’s there, a light shining so brightly that often I’ve been blinded.”
He was inching even closer, filling the air with the rich fragrance of his cologne. The scent wrapped around me like a ghostly touch creating a wave of desire so intense there was nothing else that mattered.
When I didn’t contradict him, the corners of his mouth lifted, not from being right or because he was used to getting what he wanted, but because he was thrilled that he’d shocked me.
And he had, more so than anyone in my life. “You can hold your own, Lainey. I have no doubt you can take care of yourself, but you just don’t need to. I’ll do that for you. I’ll make certain you have everything in your life you deserve and that includes protection from the evils of this world.”
“I’m not your wife, Sasha. I can’t be her. Don’t you see?” Maybe it had been the wrong time to toss out something so personal, so very painful, but if this was nothing but a beautifulcharade, I wouldn’t be able to stand losing something that didn’t belong to me.
“No, Lainey. You are not. You are the most amazing woman I’ve ever met.”
“Why are you doing this? Why, Sasha? You could have anyone you want. I’m not so naïve as to believe what we’re sharing is anything more than fulfilling a hunger.”
His laugh was dark, alluding of all things sensual and dangerous. A shimmer of heat shifted directly into my core, refusing to let go.
“A hunger,malen’kaya babochka? What I’m feeling is far more intensified than mere hunger.”
“Then what?” Now I was whispering, fearful yet longing for the answer.
“I don’t want anyone else, Lainey. And neither do you. So, let me be crystal clear. It means you’re not going anywhere. Not only because it isn’t safe for you to do so, but also because I won’t allow you to leave. You managed to get under my skin and there’s no turning back. You’re mine, little butterfly. After tonight, I will own you.”
CHAPTER 13
Sasha
Infuriating.
Enticing.
Demanding.
There was an entire dictionary of words to describe Lainey, but naïve wasn’t one of them. I’d already experienced her quiet strength when dealing with both her manager and Damien. Some other women would have either kowtowed or fallen apart. Not this woman.
She’d rocked my world by highlighting her skills using the goddamn bat meant for sports and entertainment. She’d showcased her will to live, her sense of duty and decency. But even more than that, her killer instinct.
Yes, she was a much stronger woman than I’d given her credit for. While still innocent and vulnerable, my guess was she could easily tackle a giant.
That made my hunger more intense, now to the point that I needed to touch and taste her. To drive my cock deep inside. Light footsteps and a faint scent of her floral perfume found itsway toward me just seconds before Lainey returned to the living room.
“Nina is asleep,” Lainey said absently just before wrapping her long fingers around her glass of wine and immediately heading toward the oversized window. I sensed her continued nervousness, finding it difficult to reclaim control of a conversation that had been interrupted.
With her challenges, she’d forced me to face several ugly truths about myself. All the healing I thought I’d done had been bullshit. I’d masked my emotions, often doing a shitty job of it. I’d been existing, not living.
Now that I’d tasted the breath of life, I wanted more.
“Thank you for tucking her in.” My words were perfunctory, something you’d say to a friend. Not something I craved with every ounce of my being.
“Of course.” Turning her head, her eyes narrowed when she locked eyes with mine.
After a few seconds, she glanced away from me, her chest rising and falling with sharp breaths as she attempted to control more than her emotions.
Her desires were also on the line, forcing her to question both my motives and her needs.
Even from where I was sitting across the room, I noticed how the low-level lighting framed unreadable eyes. Her long dark eyelashes skimmed the shimmering curve of her cheeks and her lips appeared painted a lovely shade of rose. That wasn’t from lipstick, but from her nervous habit of biting her lower lip.
I’d completely unraveled her.
“Are you worried Nina will have nightmares?”
